President,
The situation in Palestine is catastrophic.
Civilians in Gaza face an acute risk of starvation, disease and death. 18.000 children have reportedly been killed. We are extremely concerned about the lack of access to critical aid and basic goods in Gaza. It is unacceptable that Israel has fully blocked humanitarian assistance to the area for more than 8 weeks.
Israel has obligations under international law to provide, or otherwise allow access to, life-saving assistance for the civilian population and ensure that humanitarian principles are upheld. Later this week, Norway will participate in the hearing in the advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice on this very topic. There we will set out our view on these fundamental legal obligations incumbent upon Israel.
We condemn all attacks on humanitarian workers. It is crucial that those who risk their lives, to save others and to carry out humanitarian work, are protected. Those responsible must be held to account. We extend our deepest condolences and express our strong support to the bereaved and the organisations affected.
President,
We reiterate our clear message: Fighting must stop immediately; the ceasefire must be resumed. The population must immediately have access to the emergency aid to which they are entitled. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. We mourn with all the victims and all the bereaved families. The future of Gaza must be shaped by Palestinians and serve the interests of its people. We welcome the Arab Reconstruction plan.
Until a two-state solution is achieved, we, the international community, have a responsibility to secure the rights of the Palestine refugees.
We – the member states – have equipped UNRWA with a UN mandate to do so. The agency is doing its best under extreme circumstances. If UNRWA is prevented from implementing its mandate, it will have serious ramifications, also beyond the Middle East
President,
We continue to be deeply concerned about increased tensions elsewhere in Palestine. Military operations in refugee camps, forced displacements and movement restrictions are worsening an already volatile situation in the West Bank. Settler violence continues. Between 15 and 21 April, the UN documented at least 23 attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. This must stop.
As has been underscored in this Council again and again: Reaching a sustainable two-state solution is a pre-requisite for peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Norway remains committed.
Let us use the upcoming UN conference in June, as well as the work of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-State solution and the AHLC to intensify our efforts towards that end.
President,
It is critical that the transition in Syria succeeds. For the Syrian people. And for the stability and security of the Middle East and beyond.
We must now give the transitional authorities, the opportunity to ensure an inclusive government for all Syrians. Sanctions must be lifted to allow economic recovery and development.
The Syrian population has endured hardship for decades, and the humanitarian needs are still high. Norway will continue to support the country’s most vulnerable and assist in finding solutions that will promote self-reliance.
Syrians must be allowed to determine their own future. The unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected. For this, the international community should act in concert.
I thank you.